Update 2020-10-01: Signed and executed copy.
Thanks, City of Adel, for passing this resolution last Tuesday! The next BIG Little River Paddle Race at Reed Bingham State Park will be April 28, 2018, pending final approval by GA DNR. Meanwhile, come paddle with WWALS from Hagan Bridge (GA 122) to Franklinville on the Withlacoochee River, February 11, 2018.
Photo: Phil Hubbard, Under Reed Bingham State Park cypress at the 2017 BIG Little River Paddle Race.
Text of the resolution (see also PDF)
A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT
THE WITHLACOOCHEE AND LITTLE RIVER WATER TRAIL
FOR THE CITY OF ADEL, GA
WHEREAS, Adel is situated between Bear Creek, which runs into the Withlacoochee River on the east, and Morrison Creek, which runs into the Little River on the west; and
WHEREAS, Adel has convenient boating and fishing access at seven landings on the Little River in Cook County and at Ray City Landing on GA 37 on the Withlacoochee River; and
WHEREAS, the City of Adel website notes, “Reed Bingham State Park, located about six miles from the interstate, is a sprawling state park that stretches from Cook into Colquitt County and surrounds a 375-acre lake. In addition to fishing, the park offers visitors scenic hikes through the southern Georgia wilderness”; and
WHEREAS, the Little River and the Withlacoochee River are described in various guidebooks as “Intimate, shaded in its northern reaches) mysterious in its beauty”, with abundant wildlife, limestone shoals, and sandbars; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Adel value the natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities afforded by the Little and Withlacoochee Rivers and their watersheds such as fishing, swimming, boating, and birding; and
WHEREAS, the citizens value the Withlacoochee and Little Rivers for water quality and habitat protection; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of the City will greatly benefit from the recreational and natural experiences provided by a water trail or blueway; and
WHEREAS, the Little and Withlacoochee River watersheds also include creeks, lakes, ponds, swamps, and wetlands that can be included in maps, brochures, and guides for the Withlacoochee and Little River Water Trail; and
WHEREAS, existing hiking and biking trails can be linked to the Water Trail to encourage more multi-purpose participation; and
WHEREAS, this water trail is consistent with the comprehensive land use plan of Adel and Cook County regarding establishing blueway (water trail) corridors, assisting in river cleanups, and promoting and protecting Reed Bingham State Park; and
WHEREAS, WWALS Watershed Coalition (WWALS) holds the annual BIG Little River Paddle Race at Reed Bingham State Park; and
WHEREAS, WWALS holds frequent outings on the rivers, and every outing is a cleanup; and
WHEREAS, the economy of the City will benefit from visitors to the Water Trail, and a Water Trail is a feature of quality of life that is attractive to businesses and employees and so may contribute to the economic development of the county; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Adel and visitors from throughout the State of Georgia and the United States have for more than twenty (20) years regularly and openly enjoyed and exercised a right of passage by boat on the Little and Withlacoochee Rivers as they travel past Adel, thereby establishing a public easement of passage on the river; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Colquitt, Brooks, Cook, Berrien, and Lowndes Counties, as well as Madison and Hamilton Counties, Florida, all share in this valuable resource and most have provided for access to one or both of the Withlacoochee or Little Rivers and to other streams or waterbodies in its watershed; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Adel have indicated their support for the water trail at Adel City Council meetings; and
WHEREAS, the City has repeatedly supported parks and recreation with funding;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Adel, Georgia;
Section 1: The concept of the Withlacoochee and Little River Water Trail as outlined by the website https://www.wwals.net/maps/withlacoochee-river-water-trail/ is approved and hereby incorporated by reference; and
Section 2: That the public easement of passage established by more than twenty (20) years of regular and open travel by boat on the Little and Withlacoochee Rivers past Adel is hereby recognized and accepted by the Council on behalf of the citizens of Adel, and visitors from throughout the State of Georgia and the United States; and
Section 3: That this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption; and
Section 4: That we hereby direct each department in the City to work individually, together, and with other governments and organizations to support and implement the water trail.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL OF ADEL, GEORGIA, this 16th day of January, 2018. By:
[signed]
Rhonda P. Rowe, Cty Clerk[signed]
Buddy Duke, Mayor
More WWALS outings are scheduled; see also the WWALS calendar.
-jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®
You can join this fun and work by becoming a WWALS member today!
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